Good Morning. It's Thursday 22nd December, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road Monaco run riot after second half Leeds collapse Three goals in the opening eight minutes of the second half proved decisive as Ligue 1 outfit Monaco ran riot during a feisty affair at Elland Road last night. Without the services of Cooper, Adams, Harrison, Meslier, Bamford, Summerville, Rodrigo, Sinisterra or Klich, it surprised many when the patched up Leeds side took the lead after just 12 minutes through Koch. Their lead could have doubled, had Gelhardt taken one of several opportunities in front of goal. As time went on, the visitors eased their way into the game, and equalised midway through the first half. Directly after the break, Leeds were caught napping, and duly went behind. They added a third four minutes later, and a forth shortly thereafter. Leeds tried to mount a comeback, but never really looked like scoring until injury time when Gnonto was bought down in the box, and Gelhardt showed Harry Kane how to take a spot kick. With so many players out, it was always going to be a difficult task. Klaesson was completely out of his depth last night. A more experienced shot stopper would have minimized the damage, but it was a friendly, and hopefully the experience will help him. please log in to view this image Leeds lack of pace is hurting them If turning defence into attack was an art form, Monaco produced a masterpiece last night. The speed in which they counter-attacked was mesmerising. Their second and fourth goals both started on the edge of their own penalty area, and were in the back of the net within 11 and 12 seconds respectively. Although credit has to go to the visitors, Leeds lack of pace, especially in defence is startling. Robin Koch was the only defender who could hold his head high last night; the rest were awful. Leeds find themselves two points from the drop zone for a reason. Only Nottingham Forest, Southampton and Bournemouth have conceded more goals this season; no surprise, they're all tipped for relegation. If Leeds want to improve, and climb the table, they need firm foundations, and at a football club, that normally starts at centre back. Can we rely on Koch, Struijk and Cresswell next season or do Leeds need to dig deep into the coffers to bring a top centre back to the club? please log in to view this image
Didn’t see the game, just seen the goals. None were the keeper’s fault. So he may have been dreadful (dunno) but he didn’t impact the result. It appears from reports/stats a fairly familiar story, we had more ball more shots more corners etc. They have 6 shots and score 4, and look dangerous on the break. But hey, a weakened side, apparently a bug going round the club, rather than more injuries so hopefully we can put out a more competitive side against city… it was likely to be a ‘behind the sofa’ game, without additional players missing.
Morning all Friendlies for fitness and most aren’t fit enough to feature. There was me thinking the break for the WC might benefit us more than our rivals with so few away on international duty. We seem to be gearing for a return to action in a far worse position with sickness and injuries
Morning all. How did Firpo do last night as I noticed we won the game 1-0 whilst he was on the pitch ? Missed the game but sounds similar to some of the World Cup games in that the better team just bides their time, allows the opponent to come onto them before using pace and quality to win the game comfortably. The problem as I see it is that coaches like Jesse think because they’ve done well at certain facets of the game they were the better side, or just need to cut out certain lapses to have won the game. To think you’re playing well whilst still losing and shipping plenty of goals would seem seem a mindset that leads to failure.
Would be so “Leeds” to sack Jesse after the transfer window closes when a new guy could have used the break to work with players. I’d have lost my bet though, I was convinced he’d be out before now. One year in the job and we’re still worried about relegation and discussing players who “got away” when the reality is we had no chance of getting them
Morning all. Issue worrying me most is we seemingly still can’t keep a clean sheet against anyone. Two coaches have had the same problem so I’m assuming lots of the blame lies with the players. I enjoyed the World Cup but not so sure the next four months will be nearly as enjoyable. Btw Haaland 8-1 to get a hat trick against us
Morning one and all you miserable gets. We know our defence is way below prem standard. Llorente a proven failure along with firpo. Not convinced by the pedestrian rasmus either. We already know about our lack of strikers and Gelhardt not making the grade. Gloss over it anyway you like but you can't polish a turd.
Not me, my New Years resolution is not to panic. Although I'm a bit nervous when I'm over for the City game.
To be fair that’s what bielsa did but when the glitter and stardust wore off it turned out the turd was still a bit stinky underneath
